Our pineapple project in Uganda
FROM FLOWER TO FRUIT
Contrary to popular belief, pineapples don’t grow on trees but on plants! It takes around 18 months for a flower to bloom, followed by an additional 3 months for the pineapple to fully ripen.
In Uganda, the main harvest season runs from July to September. While pineapples are available year-round, production peaks during these months.
Pineapples are harvested entirely by hand. Due to their sharp and spiky leaves, farmers wear protective gear and thick gloves to prevent injuries.
OUR PINEAPPLE PRODUCERS
KASANA partners with around 30 small-scale pineapple farmers in Uganda’s Kayunga region. With its tropical climate and fertile soil, this region is one of Africa’s leading pineapple production areas.
Our Commitments to Producers
By working directly with our producers, we ensure they receive ongoing support, fair compensation, and dignified working conditions.
- Farmers receive guidance from agronomists who help them improve their farming techniques, train them in organic practices, and assist in resolving any issues that arise with their crops.
- They also have access to financial loans, which are often difficult to obtain in Uganda.
- Quantities are agreed upon in advance of the harvest, enabling farmers to plan long-term and know their income ahead of time.
LOCAL PROCESSING
After being harvested, the pineapples are dried immediately at a nearby processing center. Local processing is essential as it creates dozens of jobs in an economically disadvantaged region.
All the processing center’s workers live locally, with a focus on hiring women, who often have limited access to job opportunities.
The pineapples are hand-cut, a method that not only preserves traditional craftsmanship but also helps create more jobs than machine automation.
Once dried, the pineapples are vacuum-packed and shipped to Belgium by boat, optimizing transport efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint.
THE AMANI NURSERY SCHOOL
KASANA supports local communities by funding the Amani Nursery School, which accommodates around 120 children aged 3 to 6 years. They learn to read, write, sing, and dance, and enjoy a snack and a daily meal.
The nursery serves both local village children and the children of workers from the processing center. It provides significant advantages for workers, especially women who often raise their children alone. With their children well cared for and safe at school, these women are able to work as they no longer need to find alternative childcare.
KASANA covers the school’s operational expenses, including utilities, teachers’ salaries, and meals. We also collaborate with partners who share our values to invest in projects that enhance the children’s daily lives. There’s still much to achieve, please feel free to contact us if you’d like to join us in this rewarding journey!
